Richard Corbet (1582–1635)

WHAT I shall leave thee none can tell,

But all shall say I wish thee well,

I wish thee, Vin, before all wealth,

Both bodily and ghostly health;

Nor too much wealth, nor wit, come to thee,

So much of either may undo thee.

I wish thee learning, not for show,

Enough for to instruct and know;

Not such as gentlemen require

To prate at table, or at fire.

I wish thee all thy mother’s graces,

Thy father’s fortunes and his places.

I wish thee friends, and one at court,

Not to build on, but support

To keep thee, not in doing many

Oppressions, but from suffering any.

I wish thee peace in all thy ways,

Nor lazy nor contentious days;

And when thy soul and body part

As innocent as now thou art.